DANNY Wilson believes his young Town stars can only benefit from the “intense pressure” of their play-off semi-final victory over Charlton.

Swindon will compete for a place in the Championship at the end of this month, having seen off the Addicks 5-4 on penalties in a dramatic night at The Valley on Tuesday.

They had to cope with the loss of goalkeeper David Lucas to injury inside the opening 40 seconds, going two goals behind on the night and having Gordon Greer sent off.

But the likes of Stephen Darby, Danny Ward and Charlie Austin among others stepped up to the plate when the going got tough - with that trio all converting spot kicks in the shootout.

“Everybody’s emotions rollercoastered up and down like a fiddler’s elbow, and then it’s just a sense of relief,” said Wilson of the victory that will live long in the memory.

“What makes you so proud is that it was an epic battle and an epic performance from the fans too.

“There’s intense pressure in that situation, and some of the young boys who took penalties will use that experience now over a few years.

“If they can score goals with what’s at stake in games like this then it can’t do them any harm can it?

“They deserve an enormous pat on the back. We had young lads who stepped up, and they were willing to step up.

“Nobody was asking them to take the penalties - they volunteered. So from that respect you’ve got to say it proves just how mature they are.”

Following Monday night’s exertions, Town’s players have been given a few days off and will return to training on Friday morning to begin their Wembley preparations.

But for the management team, their work will not stop as they plan for their Wembley clash against Milwall.

“The lads need a rest,” said Wilson.

“The nice thing is that we’ve got 10 days or so before we play the final and that is a good recovery period.

“We’ve had two very tough games in this short period so now they get a couple of days off to be with their families, relax and watch the game over a few times again, which I’m sure they will do.

“From the management side of things we will start doing our homework and look at the opposition who we will have in the play-off final, but the lads deserve a few days off to get their feet off.”

Lucas was forced off with the game less than a minute old on Monday, as he landing awkwardly on his shoulder after claiming a high ball.

But the stopper did not suffer a dislocation as first feared and, although still in a lot of discomfort, could be fit for Town’s trip to Wembley.